Part 6/8:
In evaluating Butler’s current level of play, it's alarming to note that this season might be among the weakest of his career. With several statistics – rebounds, assists, and steals – down significantly, Butler's on-court presence has dwindled. Open discussions speculate whether he can even fit the role of a secondary player on a championship team, much less carry the mantle of a primary option like he once aspired to do.
In recent years, Butler has frequently missed roughly 28% of the games, which is considerably problematic for someone aiming to command a hefty salary. When a player in mid-30s is missing games but isn't delivering playoff-level performance, management starts to rethink their willingness to invest financially.